It was a chilly Friday night in December as Harry Potter left the Ministry of Magic when his shift was over and apparated his way to Diagon Alley. After the latest relationship disaster, Harry had made up his mind that it was time for a change. Never in his lifetime would he have considered such a bold move to start over, but it was high time. Years had passed since the Battle of Hogwarts where Dark Lord Voldemort had been permanently destroyed, eradicated from the world for the rest of time. Harry may have skipped his seventh year at Hogwarts to hunt horcruxes with his two best friends, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, but Harry was able to take his NEWT exams through the ministry and passed better than he thought he would. At the age of seventeen, Harry became an auror with Ron and another schoolmate, Neville Longbottom. Ron ended up retiring early to go help his brother George run Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and Neville left to teach at Hogwarts as the Herbology teacher. Harry stayed an auror and could honestly say he loved the work. Though, there were times Harry wondered if he'd gone insane after spending seven years fighting Voldemort, why on Earth would he stay in a profession where all he did was track down and arrest dark lord wannabes? Harry wouldn't wrap his head around it, but even after a hard case or long day; Harry loved the work he did.
The only real shocker in other aurors to join the force was Draco Malfoy, just after the 1998 Death Eater trials. Harry actually spoke up for the Malfoy's and Severus Snape about their efforts to help the light side in the war. Draco and Harry worked together quite often on cases; they were friends now. Harry still had amazing friends he saw often despite how busy they were. Harry also had a handful of nieces and nephews, thanks to being considered family by the Weasley's. Harry had a godson too, Remus and Nymphadora's son, Teddy. His full name was Edward Remus Lupin, born in 1998, before the final battle against Voldemort. Sadly, Remus and Tonks(Nymphadora), both died in that fight. Sirius, Harry's godfather, had died a couple years before the fight when Harry was just fifteen. Harry had been living in a flat in Britain, he couldn't bring himself to stay at Grimmauld after Sirius had passed, nor when the fight was over. It wasn't much, but enough for him. So much had happened since the war ended, despite the losses, so many lives were spared. Harry had his struggles after the years of fighting, he still dealt with from time to time, but he'd been assured it was completely normal.
Currently, it was December 8th, 2006, and Harry walked his way to Gringotts knowing the place never closed. It was about 7:00 pm as Harry entered the bank and strolled up to the main counter.
"Mister Potter! How wonderful to see you again," The goblin greeted him.
"Likewise." Harry responded.
"How may I assist you this evening?" The goblin inquired.
"I need to speak to my account manager, whoever took over after Griphook passed, please?" Harry asked.
Had it really been this long since he stepped foot in the bank? Harry never really needed to because had an enchanted pouch that connected right to his accounts. Griphook had died in the war, shortly after helping Harry break into Gringotts to get Helga Hufflepuff's cup, which was one of Voldemort's horcruxes that was in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault. Harry never knew who took over his account management after Griphook. Harry knew he should probably be more on top of things but life was busy and challenging still.
"I will fetch him for you, and take you back to one of the offices. Right this way," The goblin hopped down and led Harry back, then into a room. "You can wait right here." The goblin then left as Harry made his way to a chair before the desk and sat down to wait patiently. After ten minutes had passed, the door opened as a goblin walked in and took his seat across from Harry.
"An honor to meet you, Lord Potter-Black." The goblin greeted. Harry was Lord Potter, and Lord Black. Sirius named Harry his heir before the man's death, so Harry got everything Sirius left behind. And Lord Potter because he was the last of his line for his family. "I am Ragnok, I took over your account management after Griphook left us."
"Just Harry is fine, thank you. Pleasure to meet you, Ragnok." Harry replied.
"What can I do for you this evening, Harry?" Ragnok inquired.
"I plan on moving, buying a house. I'd like to see what my options are as far as available, location, and price." Harry asked.
"I can certainly help you with that." Ragnok nodded as he grabbed some things from the cabinet beside him. "Anything in particular you wanted to search in? Place perhaps?"
"I was contemplating on moving to Godric's Hollow, if there's anything there?" Harry hoped.
"Let's see…" Ragnok filed through some sheets before setting about four down on the desk, laid out for Harry to see. "Not much, I'm afraid, but this is what I do have available."
Harry leaned over to read the sheets, all of them provided an exterior photo of the home and then a floor plan layout with written details. Two of the places were far too much for just him, and the other two had more bedrooms than he needed, but might be good for guests or when his godson came to visit. The prices weren't bad either and in a good place. Harry gave it a lot of thought before deciding to go to Godric's Hollow. It's where he was born, but also where his parents were killed to protect him. Harry had only been there one other time and it was with Hermione for Christmas of 1997, when they were hunting for horcruxes. With everyone going on in his life now, it felt right to go back and start over, get a good break. Looking over the two possible prospects again, Harry finally shifted one back to Ragnok.
"This will do." Harry told the goblin.
"Excellent choice, Harry." The goblin responded.
"You can take the payment right from the Potter vault. I'll decline on your next offer of setting up protections and also for a bonded house elf." Harry told him gently. "I will take floo connection, and an apparition point somewhere on the property. Preferably hidden from any muggle neighbors. Please, and thank you. Just let me know when I'm good to move in."
"I can have it ready just after the New Year begins. We'll send a group of elves in to give it a good clean for you, and always, the complimentary service of ensuring all is safe and any current wards are dismantled." Ragnok told him.
"Sounds good. Gives me time to get everything packed up at my current flat. Thank you, Ragnok." Harry stated.
"Always a pleasure to work with you, Harry. Is this all I can do for you tonight?" Ragnok inquired.
"Yes, that's it." Harry nodded.
"Wonderful, now you can just sign here for authorization to do everything we talked about." Ragnok slid a form towards Harry, then passed the inkwell with a quill in it.
Harry gave the document a once over glance and ensured there were no mistakes before signing it as; Lord Harry James Potter-Black. Harry thanked the Goblin again, then shook his hand before departing the bank. Harry apparated home to his flat and looked around the place. In about a month, he was leaving for good to start over after everything. Harry loved his job and friends, but his love life and relationships after the war were god awful. Harry needed a break from it all and by break; it meant leaving this area, going somewhere quiet to get away from the madness of being seen all the time by people who knew him. Of course, everyone knew him; he was the boy who lived. Man now. The fame would always be with him; it had been since his parents died to protect him and then Harry got his own fame by his defeats over Voldemort during his years at Hogwarts, the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and then the big battle in May 1998 where Voldemort was vanquished once and for all. The next bit of fame came from being one of the youngest aurors around, just seventeen Harry was when he joined the force. Harry was twenty-six years old now; tall, still slim but had some muscle. Harry still wore glasses, and while his hair was neater, the scar never went away. It faded slightly, never hurt anymore, but would always be there.
Harry whipped up some dinner and relaxed for the night. The next things he needed to do were pack up his flat and tell his friends he was moving. Harry would be seeing them for Christmas, so that's when he'd reveal the information. It was time for a fresh start where it all began.
. . .
Harry arrived at the Burrow for Christmas Eve and stayed the night as he did every year, along with everyone else who came to celebrate with the family. Molly always insisted. It was a full house with everyone, but no one would have it any other way. Christmas was always their time to be together, between smiles and tears. Among the deaths of Sirius, Remus, and Tonks, was also Fred Weasley. It was the one thing Molly wanted every year, to have her family together in one place. And Harry was considered family, so he would personally never deny the woman her request. It was Christmas now, everyone just doing their own thing until dinner was called for. Harry was sitting with Ron and Hermione, just like they used to as kids. Amazing how that feeling never changed.
"It happened again, didn't it, Harry?" Hermione inquired.
"Every single time, 'Mione. You know that…" Harry muttered.
"Maybe you're cursed, mate," Ron stated.
"I'm starting to think it." Harry agreed. "It's ridiculous, guys. I'm honestly at the end of my rope too."
"What happened this time?" Hermione wondered gently.
"Flying accident." Harry sighed. "We were taking a fly and her broom acted up. It wasn't jinxed or anything, I checked it over after taking her to St. Mungo's. She's okay, home now, but like always…She said she took it as a sign that maybe we shouldn't be together anymore."
"I'm sorry, Harry," Hermione frowned.
"Mad that it happens with every girl you're dating." Ron stated. "I'm telling you, cursed. Just like when Voldemort cursed the Defense Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts, no teacher ever lasted more than a year until after he died."
"Then you'd think with him dead this stuff would stop." Harry mumbled. "Petty loser probably did curse me to never having a love life, and something to last even with him gone now. Seriously…How many years has it been since he was destroyed?"
"Nine years May 2nd this year." Hermione informed.
"Nine years. None of my relationships last more than six months, and something always happens to them after we have sex for the first time." Harry stated. "Definitely cursed, but hey…When has my life ever been easy?"
It was true. Harry had been with a lot of girls since Voldemort's defeat, and obviously the dark bastard cursed him to never have a stable relationship after sex occurred because the girl would always end up hurt, and they'd break up. Harry's first girlfriend after the war ended was Ron's sister, Ginny. She never got hurt physically, but she and Harry wanted different things and felt it was better to just end it. So on and so forth with other lovers. Right after the two would have sex, the relationship always went sour. It's part of why he was just done and taking a break from dating. Harry could focus on this move and his work, maybe try again later or settle that he'd never settle down and be happy with one person.
"Hasn't it happened before sex too? That one girl left you just at the six month mark and you two didn't do anything." Ron pointed out.
"Not making me feel any better, Ron!" Harry remarked. "But you are right. So I've decided that I'm just gonna stop for a while. No more dating…Work is getting busy anyway." He stated.
"It'll be alright," Hermione offered. "Maybe the curse breaks like in all those muggle fairy tales, when you find true love."
"Hermione…My life was already a nightmare after my parents died, I don't need any fairy tales." Harry told her. "For once, I just want normal."
"Harry, you alright, mate?" Ron inquired. "You just seem…Miserable. Like you were after the war ended…"
It was true. Harry didn't fare well after the war was finally over. Harry used the Elder Wand to repair his own, then destroyed the Elder Wand so it could never be sought after by anyone. Harry did become an auror at seventeen after taking a shot in the dark at attempting his NEWTs. At the time, Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was Minister of Magic had let anyone who took part in the Battle of Hogwarts become an auror if they were of age. There was still hard training, but after so many deaths of previous aurors; the need for them was great. Harry took his NEWTs to say that he passed his education and he did quite well on them. Harry did a fantastic job as auror, but his head wasn't right when things were finally settled and everyone was returning to everyday lives. Normal wasn't something Harry was used to, so after work, he always had a lot of time to himself and a lot of those days were spent reminiscing over the people that had been lost since Voldemort returned during Harry's fourth year. It took a small intervention from his closest friends to get him to finally see a Mind Healer and actually face everything he'd been through since his parents died. Harry was in a better place now, but that didn't mean it didn't come back at times. Not that Harry would let himself slip so far again, but there were days Harry just needed to be alone and get everything out, then get his head together and carry on.
"I don't know." Harry admitted. "But that's why I'm taking a break. You guys are my best friends, so you deserve the truth before anyone else…I'm moving next week."
"Where are you going?" Hermione questioned.
"Still going to be in Britain, but...I'm going to Godric's Hollow." Harry informed lightly.
"Harry, really?" Hermione's eyes widened some. "I…I just thought that'd be the last place you wanted to go."
"Honestly, it was my first choice. I don't know why, it just called to me. It's…It's where everything started, Hermione. Where I was born, where my parents died and I lived…Right now, with how things are for me…It just feels right to be there. Fresh beginning, where it all began." Harry told her. "Hey, it's not goodbye or anything. I'm gonna have an apparition point, floo access…We can talk and see each other all the time, as we have been. I'm still working as an auror…I'm just living somewhere else." He continued. "I don't know what it is, but I just feel like I need to be there. Something…Something is missing and I feel like I'm gonna find whatever it is there."
"And you know that we're right here for you," Ron said firmly as Hermione nodded.
"Yes, of course. We hope you find whatever it is you're looking for, and…If we can help at all, let us know." Hermione added.
"Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it." Harry smiled.
. . .
The rest of Christmas was wonderful as always and Harry let everyone know what he was doing, where he was going. All wished him well and to not be a stranger. The days following, Harry joined them again for New Year's Eve, while getting a letter from the bank that his house was ready, under a temporary protection charm until he arrived. Harry took a week off from work, explaining to his superior that he was moving into his new home and just needed some time to get settled. His boss was fine with it, Harry rarely took time off unless he was recovering from injuries sustained while working. Harry made the move easy, having packed things away into boxes and shrunk them down to fit everything, but still organized. One of the first things Harry did was put up his protections on the house, and he didn't want to hide, so it was visible to muggles, witches and wizards; Harry knew Godric's Hollow was a small village with a mix of the two. The only part Harry kept hidden was the front porch because he would apparate to the space without muggles seeing. Anyone magical would be able to see him pop in and out, but the space was also screened and covered, so perhaps they couldn't. Harry set up wards, but only for the fact of knowing when someone was coming near the house. There was also the fact of watching for break-ins. Harry did have plenty of enemies as an auror, so he wanted his space safe.
The house itself was quite a cute little thing. Harry would go with it being a cottage over a house, but it was now home to him. The place was two levels, and upon walking through the front door, someone would find themselves in an open concept of the dining room, living room, and kitchen. The stairs to the next level were on the right side of the house, next to the kitchen. If you followed the hallway past the stairs, there was an entrance to the back porch, as well as a window seat and then half-bathroom behind the stairs. Now, up the stairs were all three bedrooms. Harry took over the master, which sat at the front of the house, the bedroom behind that was his office and the one in the very back was just a guest one. There were also two full bathrooms on the second level, one for anyone to use and the other was inside Harry's bedroom. Yes, Harry loved it and it didn't take him long to unpack at all. The first room Harry took care of was his bedroom because by the time he got there; it had been after a long shift at work. Harry got his vacation approved, but he had to finish filling out his case files, so Harry arrived around 8:00 pm. Harry only did his bedroom that night, just so he had a place to sleep. The next day, Harry did everything else because he'd been efficient enough to label the boxes and leave them where they belonged overnight.
It did not take Harry long to put everything where it belonged. Once unpacked, Harry went out to the store to buy anything else he needed, mainly food. It also gave him a chance to see the village more. When Harry had been here with Hermione in 1997, they only went to the cemetery, passed by Potter Cottage, and went into some other home with Nagini, who was impersonating Bathilda Bagshot. It wasn't a very long stay the first time around, but now…Harry was living there and wanted to see everything he could, while attempting to keep a low profile. Sad as it may be, if Harry traveled outside his home; he wore a glamour to slightly change his appearance. Eventually, he'd probably show himself, but for a little bit; he wanted his peace and quiet. That was the whole point of all this; Harry wanted a normal life of working, having some good friends, and coming home. No fame, no publicity, no boy who lived, no wizarding savior. He could just be a normal person. It's the one thing Harry always wanted and never got given how fast he was forced to grow up. A slave to his muggle relatives, a protector at Hogwarts, a weapon to defeat Voldemort. No, Harry could put all that away here and just be Harry Potter-Black.
The vacation was only a week, so promptly seven days after it began; Harry returned to work on January 9th and went on as he normally did and no one knew of his move except those who needed to know. Today was January 30th, 1997. Harry got home from work fairly early, it was only 5:00 pm and darkness was just falling over Godric's Hollow. There was a light snow falling, beginning to cover the streets and trees. Harry decided to just enjoy a walk through town after getting changed out of his auror uniform. Quietly, and since the streets were quiet, Harry walked without the glamour on to just enjoy the evening. Harry passed the statue of Lily, James, and himself; only magic-folk could see it and it stood in place of where the destroyed house was. Harry, of course, could see both and the sign where everyone left messages about supporting him as the boy who lived. Harry only stayed there for a little bit before continuing on and ending up at the cemetery. It had been so long since he'd been. Christmas Eve would have marked nine years since he came with Hermione. Harry felt a pull towards the place and decided to go in. Harry went right to the stones, knowing they were by the church. New stones had been added near them, memorials for Sirius and Remus; Harry knew there wasn't anyone buried there, but Harry didn't know who had set up stones for the males. Harry also didn't care; it was a nice gesture to let Sirius and Remus be memorialized next to his father's side of the stone.
Harry just stood before it for a while, his mind taking him through everything over the years. Harry sighed out into the night air. Not so far away was another man who had decided to take a night walk after work too, Severus Snape. The potions master had the same idea as Harry, starting over somewhere new after the war and his love for Lily led him right to Godric's Hollow. The man visited often, but never before had he seen someone else at Lily's grave, so as he got a bit closer he saw who it was. Harry Potter. Severus hadn't seen Harry in years, other than newspaper articles of his achievements as an auror. The last time they saw one another was after Severus recovered from the attack on himself by Voldemort and Nagini, though the man never expected to live so when he woke up in St. Mungo's he was surprised. Harry and Severus saw one another at the ministry of magic after the death eater trials because Severus had to stand trial for the role he played in the war and was shocked when Harry attended these trials and spoke up for both the Malfoy's and himself. No one else, just the four of them. After Severus was released, Harry approached to give a warm smile and tell the man he was grateful Severus survived and is now a free man. The potions master had certainly underestimated Harry during school; the boy was extraordinary and did things that others would have run from.
Severus realized he'd always been wrong about Harry; while the man looked like James Potter and had some of the man's tendencies for getting into trouble; Harry was so much more of his mother, Lily. Severus and Harry put their past behind them as Severus admitted he was wrong about Harry, and then they shook hands before going their separate ways in life, Harry only wished the man good luck in his future endeavors. Severus turned in his resignation to Hogwarts and left without much trace to where he went, but ended up opening a potions shop in Godric's Hollow. Well, it was an essential oils shop to muggles and Severus hired an assistant to handle that side of the business while he had a backroom only visible to magic-folk for the potions. It was odd to see Harry now, the boy, now a man, was taller and fit. Severus saw Harry at the graves of his parents, godfather, and unofficial uncle and figured he probably shouldn't disturb him. Severus could come back later, or tomorrow. As Severus was about to turn away, he stepped on a branch and it made Harry quickly look over, wand sliding down into his hand from his sleeve.
Harry was surprised, but relieved to find it was Severus. "Oh! It's only you," Harry let his wand return inside his sleeve. "Greetings, Professor Snape." The man greeted gently.
"Hello, Potter." Severus replied. Some things would probably never change between them. Harry and Draco still referred to each other as Malfoy and Potter too.
"Sorry about the wand thing," Harry stated. "Standard reaction to be startled."
"It's quite fine. I'd have done the same." Severus responded. "My apologies for scaring you. I was trying to leave quietly so I wouldn't disturb the time with your family."
"Oh, it's alright, Professor. Were you here to visit mum?" Harry asked.
"I was, but I can leave you be and come back another time." Severus stated.
"Don't leave on my account. I was preparing to return home anyway." Harry told him. "I rarely come, but figured it would have been mum's birthday, so I should visit."
"That's why I was coming, it was your mother's birthday." Severus said calmly.
"Well, then I'll leave you to visit with her." Harry smiled as he waved his hand in a circle as flowers appeared at the base of the stone for Lily and James. Harry did the same for the stones of Sirius and Remus then he went to leave the cemetery, walking by Severus. "Have a good night, Professor."
"You know you don't have to call me that anymore, Mr. Potter. I am no longer your teacher, and you have been done with school for quite some time now." Severus told him.
Harry stopped and faced the man. "It's out of respect, sir," Harry informed. "You've never given me permission to address you otherwise and it would be rude to just assume call you by your first name, or refer to you as Snape." He informed.
"How very mature of you, Potter," Severus chuckled. "I often forget how long it's been since we've seen one another last," He added.
"Hard to believe it's been nine years since all that, hasn't it?" Harry nodded. "I forget too sometimes."
"You've grown up." Severus remarked. "Some years ago, I might not have believed that would ever happen."
"I'm just full of surprises, Professor," Harry winked. "See you around, perhaps." He lifted a hand as a wave then exited the cemetery, checking around before apparating away to his home.
Severus stayed behind as he approached Lily's grave, obviously bypassing Remus, Sirius, and James. The man conjured some flowers for the woman and just stood there, a lot like Harry had. No words needed to be said, it was clear that despite all the years passed; he still loved and missed her. It had been strange to see Harry in Godric's Hollow, though. Severus couldn't ever recall Harry coming here, but it seemed that he felt he should visit his mother on her birthday. He probably visited all the time, but Severus just never caught him. Severus came during Christmas, on Lily's birthday, and the day she died, Halloween. Usually. Severus had to admit, it was nice to see Harry again. Outside of the papers, at least. Maybe they would end up running into one another once more.
. . .
Time passed as Severus did indeed see Harry again, always in Godric's Hollow. The potions master surmised that Harry must be on a case there as reports had been circulating the paper of nefarious activity. On Severus's calendar, it was now about to be March 2007 and he'd seen Harry a lot. The two managed to bump into one another often, usually on the street or in the store, sometimes Potter Cottage. Neither really spoke to the other, but they acknowledged each other's presence and sometimes exchanged pleasantries. Severus wanted to ask why Harry was in Godric's Hollow all the time, but felt it likely wasn't his place to interfere in Harry's personal life, nor his work. Also, Severus had taken up notice that he had a new neighbor, but whoever it was hadn't been seen. All Severus had figured out was that it had to be a witch or wizard because he could sense the magic around the house. Severus knew he shouldn't be nosey, but curiosity was egging him to find out who lived there. Tonight was like any other, Severus locked up his shop and moved along the streets and found himself going by the pub and figured a drink or two couldn't hurt before going home.
Severus turned and opened the door, walking inside to find himself a seat and get a drink. Low and behold to his shock, he found Harry trying to escape from a pack of witches, and were there a couple wizards in there too? Severus didn't know Harry had males after him, but he recalled some Daily Prophet mentions that Harry, after the war, was one of the most eligible bachelors around.
"I think it's wonderful you all want me, but I'm simply not interested…" Harry stated, obviously what he said was ignored.
Severus knew it might be entertaining to see where this went, but at the same time, Harry wasn't being playful or flirtatious with them; he genuinely just wanted to be left alone. Severus strolled over to the group and wormed in next to Harry with a calm smile. "There you are." Severus said to him. "I see why you didn't want to meet publicly, Harry."
"Yeah, it's always like this…" Harry admitted, already picking up on the ruse.
"Next time, we'll keep it private." Severus assured. "But now I'm here, shall we go enjoy our date?"
"Absolutely," Harry linked his arm to Severus's waiting one as the others backed off and let Harry leave with the potions master.
"And here I thought I was done having to save you?" Severus chuckled.
"I owe you for that…" Harry sighed. "I usually come through under a glamour. I've been here long enough to think people wouldn't make a big deal. Either way…Thank you."
"You're welcome." Severus replied. "Come. Might as well see this date through or they'll just circle you again."
"I'll buy you a drink in thanks for saving me again." Harry told him.
The two got to a back table and sat down across from one another. "Why did you ever think people wouldn't go crazy over Harry Potter being in the area?" Severus asked.
"Wishful thinking, I suppose. I know I can't escape my fame, as much as I want to. I've always known I'd never have a normal life." Harry stated gently.
"You will never escape it, Potter." Severus told him. "You've been famous since your parents passed, and defeating the dark lord only added to that. More so being an auror. It doesn't matter how much time passes, people will never forget."
"You know I'm an auror?" Harry inquired.
"I'm not a hobbit, Mr. Potter. I do keep up with the rest of the world via the paper." Severus remarked. "Who could miss the headlines of Wizarding Savior Becomes Auror!"
"I don't read the paper. Any of them." Harry informed. "I know enough about myself to not need the paper to tell me." The waitress came by and they both ordered their drinks, then sat in silence for a few moments. "How's your life been since leaving? What brings you to Godric's Hollow?" Harry asked.
"Life's been well, I suppose." Severus responded. "Got away from teaching all you infernal brats, started a new life. As for being here, it just felt right. Gave up my place in Cokeworth, only stayed there for my role as a spy."
"Oh, come on…We weren't that bad, were we?" Harry asked with a smile.
"I'll be honest, Mr. Potter…I never wanted to teach." Severus enlightened. "That's just where Albus put me to be his spy. I promised him I'd do anything if he hid your family."
"I know…I saw your memories." Harry nodded. "And I understand wanting to start a new life."
"Are you allowed to be drinking on duty?" Severus asked.
"What do you mean?" Harry answered.
"You're here on a case, aren't you? The random dark wizard activity that's been happening. You're here for that, so are you permitted to be drinking on duty?" Severus questioned.
"I can't drink on duty, no…But I'm not on duty, Professor. I got off work an hour ago." Harry informed.
"Then why are you in Godric's Hollow? I've seen you around for a couple months now, I presumed you were here on work." Severus stated.
"Oh, no, no. I'm here because I live here, sir." Harry revealed, surprising Severus. "I moved here in January."
"Why on Earth would you move here, away from everyone?" Severus inquired.
"Needed a change, and felt like coming home was the best way to go." Harry admitted. The waitress brought their drinks and then left again. "That's why I said I understood needing a new life. Coming here felt right to me too. It's…Where everything started."
"You're still an auror. How is your life different?" Severus pushed.
"I suppose it's not, but I just needed a change." Harry informed. "And coming here made sense. I don't know why, I still can't quite explain it."
"How did you explain it to your friends?" Severus asked. "Surely they asked the same or was this just another move without thinking."
"For once, no. I gave this careful thought." Harry smiled.
"Oh, my. I'm astounded." Severus mocked the male, putting a hand over his heart in shock. "Harry Potter actually thought about something before jumping in? Who are you and what have you done with the boy I taught for six years?"
"The boy grew up," Harry remarked with a laugh.
"So you have." Severus nodded. "I'm rather impressed. Never thought I'd live to see the day."
"Life is just full of surprises, Professor," Harry winked.
"And so are you, one thing you definitely did not grow out of." Severus stated. "So, come…Tell me, Harry," He added.
"What?" Harry looked at him with surprise. "You…Just called me Harry. You've never done that."
"I too have my surprises." Severus told him. "Tell me what brought you to living here?"
"I can't really tell you why I did what I did," Began Harry. "Before Christmas, I just kind'a woke up one morning and decided that something needed to change and the more I thought about it, I eventually ended up at the bank looking for properties in Godric's Hollow." He continued. "I know I could have gone anywhere, but I guess I was pulled here. Started here years ago when my parents were killed…I suppose that makes this home and living where I was…It wasn't home to me." He explained calmly. "I told Ron and Hermione that I just felt like something was missing and I had a feeling I'd find it here. Whether it was…Being closer to mum, dad, Sirius, and Remus…Or the fact this is where it all started. I don't know. I guess I'm still looking, but starting over where it began seemed like a good way to go." Harry shrugged. "I'm sure it sounds foolish-,"
"No, not at all." Severus cut him off. "I find there to be nothing wrong with that logic, Harry. I too gave up what I was doing for so many years to start over. I ended up here, not sure as to why or how. It just felt right. So far, it's done me well. I moved with the anticipation of finding something I was missing, but I wanted a new start after everything too. I grew up in Cokeworth, attended Hogwarts, joined Voldemort, switched sides and joined the Order…After all that, truthfully, I never expected to survive the final battle. I still don't know how I did."
"What, survive?" Harry inquired as Severus nodded. "Oh. Well, that would be my doing." He informed calmly.
"Your doing?" Severus arched his brow. "How so?"
"I had been carrying around a vial of Fawkes' tears, on the off chance that I got bit by Nagini during the final battle. I poured the vial onto your wound and then used a healing spell for the rest. You remained unconscious, but your heart was beating and you were breathing again. I covered you with my invisibility cloak, levitated you to the infirmary to hide you from Voldemort so he'd think you were still dead." Harry explained.
"You…Saved me?" Severus stared with shock rising in his eyes. Harry nodded. "Why?"
"There had been no need for you to die, Professor. So many lives were lost in the battle, and you were only killed because Voldemort believed you had to die for him to be the Elder Wand's true master." Harry remarked.
"I'm sure he wasn't too pleased to find the wand still not responding to him after he believed I was dead." Severus scoffed.
"He never knew you survived. That's why I left you hidden in the hospital wing during the battle, not in the hall with everyone else." Harry told him. "You weren't the wand's true master, your death had nothing to do with why the wand still didn't respond to him."
"What do you mean…?" Severus asked. "I only remember waking up in the hospital wing at Hogwarts, then being arrested and facing trial. After all that was over, I sold my house in Cokeworth and moved here."
"You might have been the one to kill Dumbledore, but you were not the one who defeated him. It had been Draco," Harry stated calmly. "Before you had killed Albus, Draco was the one who disarmed him, which counts as defeat. So the wand's true master was actually Draco from that night on until the fight at Malfoy Manor when Ron, Hermione, and I had been captured."
"Explain…" Severus urged.
"When Ron, Hermione, and I were captured and taken there…Hermione used a jinx to disfigure my face so I wouldn't be recognized. Draco had been asked to identify me before they called Voldemort to them. Draco said he didn't know it was me, but he knew it was. He lied to Bellatrix and the other death eaters in the manor. As we got away, I battled Draco for his wand and won. Which counted as me defeating him…So the wand's true master after that was me. It's why Voldemort lost…The wand wouldn't fight me, and rebounded his own killing curse right back at him. Just like what happened the night my parents died. Only this time, he didn't have horcruxes to fall back on…So he is actually gone." Harry enlightened.
"Wow…I never knew that. Draco never mentioned it." Severus said.
"He never knew." Harry smiled as he took a drink. "That he'd been master of the elder wand for several months," He added.
"So…What happened to the wand? Are you using it now?" Severus inquired.
"No, I'm using my Holly wood one. I returned Draco's wand to him after the trials. Originally, Ollivander said Draco's wand had changed allegiance, but when we called a truce; it switched back and that was fine." Harry said. "When I returned his wand, I told him about the Elder Wand thing. It came up in conversation when he thanked me for saving his godfather. Oh, and the Elder wand is gone. I snapped it once I repaired my own with it."
"Repair your own?" Severus questioned.
"When Hermione and I had been in Godric's Hollow over Christmas of that year, she cast a curse at Nagini who was inhabiting Bathilda Bagshot's body and it snapped my wand. We'd been sharing hers until Ron returned and I used the wand of a Snatcher he nicked it from. Then we ended up caught and I nabbed Draco's from him a couple months later over Easter holiday." Harry explained. "When I had the Elder Wand after the battle, I used it to repair my own and then I snapped it in half and tossed it off the bridge at Hogwarts when the battle was over and everything had calmed."
"Ah. Wait, you snapped the Elder Wand?" Severus stared.
"It's powerful, but it was nothing that needed to remain part of this world. It would only cause more fighting, and I think we all had enough of that with Voldemort." Harry shrugged.
"I suppose I agree. Well thought out decision." Severus nodded. "I owe you thanks then, Potter. You, for once, saved my life." He grinned.
"You're welcome. As I said, Voldemort only killed you because he thought it would make him the wand's master. There had been no need for you to die. Even if you were the wand's master, I'd likely have done the same thing." Harry informed. "Enough people were lost…"
"That they were." Severus agreed. "I'm sorry for the loss of Remus and his wife…I heard they left behind a child?"
"Yeah. Little Teddy," Harry nodded. "He's my godson…"
"Does he live with you?" Severus inquired.
"No, no. I let his grandmother keep him. But I take him when she needs a break or just for a day of fun." Harry said. "I never did get to thank you, for all the years you saved me."
"I didn't do that much, Potter." Severus rolled his eyes with a snort.
"Professor, you kept me alive all those years. I owe you my life."
"You don't owe me anything, Potter." Severus said. "What I did was a request from Albus, and a promise to your mother…"
"If it hadn't been for all you did in the war, I never would have known I was a horcrux, that I had to die to defeat Voldemort. It was everything you did. The spying, keeping me safe…Passing those memories along. If not for you, we never would have won. I might have delivered the final blow, or in this case, Voldemort killed himself…But it was all you did to get us there. You're the real hero."
"Don't flatter me, Potter…" Severus remarked. "And call me Severus…Professor doesn't sound right when I'm no longer your teacher."
"As long as you stick to Harry."
"Deal." Severus agreed.
"Deal." Harry smiled.